JPH09281581A - Camera for recording one group of articles provided with label - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To discriminate or specify an article which is stored or carried by positioning the article provided with a label with respect to a camera so that the image of the article provided with the label may be fit to nearly the whole of the photosensitive area of a CCD array and the image stored in the mechanically read label may have nearly standardized size. SOLUTION: This camera 400 recording plural articles respectively provided with the mechanically read label altogether as one group is equipped with a camera lens 401, an environment resistant case 404, a CCD array 407 and a circuit board 408 carrying a sample hold chip. An image focusing means performing focusing on the CCD array 407 is equipped with a finder means having an internal visible mark capable of aligning one group of the articles provided with the label with the camera 400 so that the images of one group of the articles provided with the label may be fit to nearly the whole of the photosensitive area of the CCD array 407 and the images stored in the mechanically read labels may have the nearly standardized size, and positioning the article separately from the camera 400.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to information gathering means for locating, identifying or identifying items marked or labeled during storage and transportation, including electronic image capture (imaging), computer images and images. A device for analysis. In particular, the present invention provides high resolution means suitable for use in a variable, uncontrolled environment, and more specifically, inventory data from one or more labels contained within each imaged image. Provide means that can be applied to the reliable collection of.

[0002]

The wood industry, like many other industries, conveniently and preferably automatically records individual goods (logs and processed timber), especially at the time of recording. It is necessary to confirm the existence of the specified item at the specified location. In many cases, the recording work
Must be carried out in an outdoor environment during transportation, processing and processing.

To record a large number of articles, often
It involves a large amount of processing work. Therefore, the applicant's New Zealand Patent Application No. 240172 (Japanese Patent Application No. 5-50717)
2, 10-in a single image taken from a pile of articles, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-500200).
Labels have been developed that allow machine recognition and decoding (decoding) in situations where one, forty or more labels are included. Since piled timber has a risk of falling, it is particularly preferable to detect those articles from a distance.

The "JPEG" used in this specification
The term `` Joint Photographic Expert Gro
Abbreviation of "up", which is a general-purpose algorithm used for reducing or compressing the capacity of digital data representing an image. This algorithm is defined, for example, in "JPEG still image compression algorithm" published on October 15, 1991, which is published by C-Cube Microsystems, Inc. in the United States.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is for remote recording and decoding of one or more machine-readable labels on goods being stored or shipped. Prior art image recording or image capture devices (imaging devices, or cameras), primarily due to poor resolution (and thus poor image quality),
Even under relatively ideal shooting conditions, it is limited to recording (shooting) a single label. From this drawback, it is considered that a known high-resolution camera should be used, but even in that case, a huge amount of data representing an image is created, and it is difficult to transmit or store the data. There is. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera for recording multiple labeled articles, and at least to give the public a viable option.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention, in one aspect thereof, has a large field of view of a plurality of articles each having one machine-readable (machine-readable) label attached thereto. To provide a camera for recording in a grouped form to form a. The present invention creates a detailed digital version of an image containing multiple labels using a high resolution electronic imaging camera. Each label is preferably unique to a particular product and its unique data is preferably obtained from each label. One possible method for compressing the data is to apply an image analysis computer directly to search for labels of the type adapted for computer recognition, then decode the information in each label, It is a method of displaying. The camera of the present invention may in fact be a backup device adapted to fit existing cameras, and an image analysis computer may be incorporated into the camera to provide a data capacity reduction ratio of 100,000: 1. it can. Alternatively, the image may be configured to be compressed in the camera so that the compressed or reconstructed image can be subsequently analyzed.
Here, simply compressing or compressing an image or data
Alternatively, it is also referred to as “reduction”.

The device of the present invention can be regarded as a kind of solid-state camera incorporating an image analyzer that compresses an image as soon as it is captured (captured), the storage occupied by its digital display ( The storage space can be considerably smaller than if the image were not compressed. The present invention utilizes a compression algorithm, such as the JPEG algorithm described above, and preferably reduces the image to the data contained in the label itself. Such a reduction has clear advantages in saving the data storage (storage) and transmission (communication) costs.

The present invention is particularly useful in the technical field for monitoring timber, primarily log flow, from forests to final destinations. In recent years, the price of a single log of Pinas radiata has risen to around NZ $ 1000. Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can reliably and economically indicate that such a particular expensive labeled log was at a specific location at a specific time. A device according to an embodiment of the invention can be moved around a wharf area, for example, to take an image of a label attached to a stack of logs stacked on a task for shipping and to capture the data in the label. And transmit that information to the commodity management computer equipment that tracks the movement of the particular commodity. The present description will be described primarily in relation to the image capture (imaging) device itself, also referred to as a "modular scanning device".

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Three embodiments of a modular scanning device according to the present invention are shown in FIGS.
A feature of the modular architecture of the present invention is that it allows devices having similar functions but different capacities to be integrated into one functional assembly. Those devices are
It may be a circuit board or a box type device (device installed in the box). The modular scanning device of the present invention may be mounted on an automobile (FIG. 1C), installed on a shooting mast or tower built in a freight yard (FIG. 1B), or carried by an operator. (FIG. 1A). 1A to 1C, components having the same function among the constituent devices of the respective embodiments are represented by the same reference numbers for convenience of description even if they are represented by different names.

FIG. 1A shows a battery-powered modular scanning device of the type carried on the back in a manner similar to a news video cameraman. This carrying type modular scanning device includes a camera 105 and a viewer 101 (a viewing device having a finder). This camera is
It is preferable to use a high-resolution CCD array (array) described later. The scanning device of this embodiment includes an electronic finder as seen in a video camera, instead of an optical finder described later. The camera 105 is connected to a backpack (equipment to be used while carried on the back) 114 by a cable. In the backpack 114, for reducing the label image and transmitting the reduced label image data or the extracted label data (a part of the extracted data of the label data) to the remote station using the antenna 113. The equipment is stored. Alternatively, the camera 105 may optionally be connected by a cable to a docking station so that the information stored in the camera 105 may be streamed to a regional network, preferably using fiber optics or copper wire or wirelessly. May be.

Eventually, a record is created containing the information that a particular log was at a particular location at a particular time. The information is accumulated, subsequently observed, and analyzed (analysis to identify logs loaded on a gantry and associate that information with, for example, the log owner, weight / volume or type).
Sent to the base station for. The advantage of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1A is that the higher the price of the item it can record, the larger the volume of the item in transit, and the need for timely movement and delivery of the item. The larger the area, the larger the area.

Although FIG. 1A shows a stack of logs 102 loaded on the rear bed of a truck, trailer or dedicated carrier, the backpack embodiment of FIG. 1A shows that timber stored in a stockyard is used. It can also be used to collect data about stacks. Also, although the luminaire is not shown in FIG. 1A, a luminaire such as a filament lamp or a synchronous flash lamp can be provided.

FIG. 1B illustrates a modified embodiment of the modular scanning device configured to allow the camera device 105 to be installed on a mast or tower 107, or a wooden pole or building or other fixed structure. In this example, the camera 105 is connected to the control box 114 by a cable. Control box 114 preferably contains small electronics for compressing, storing, and transmitting (using antenna 113) the information content of the label to a remote station. Alternatively, the camera device and the data compression (reduction) device may be housed in the same box.
Alternatively, an optical fiber cable may be used as the information transmission means. The scanning device of this embodiment can be used to capture (record or image) an image of an article in transit or an image of the side of a railroad car or the like and reduce the image data.
For this device, it is preferable to use a normal mains power source instead of a battery, but it is also possible to use a solar cell type.

A luminaire 109 may be provided, preferably using a flashlamp that is synchronized in response to one or more articles to be recorded reaching a particular location. In that case, the movement of the article is stopped by the flash.

FIG. 1C illustrates a mobile scanning vehicle 112 that may be used in the timber export industry, which is a preferred application of the present invention. This automobile is driven at a wharf or the like, and after that, images of a group of labeled logs 102 are taken for automatic identification (identification) from the label in the image.

The advantage of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1C is that it is possible to simultaneously capture data for the logs of an entire pedestal (all logs mounted on one pedestal) from a safe distance, and for the surrounding environment. That is, high reading accuracy can be obtained without being substantially affected by light and other conditions. The information thus obtained establishes the presence of the specified log at the specified location at the specified time. (In order to display the position and time, it is also possible to use a global health receiver for position confirmation or the like in cooperation with the recording device of the present invention mounted on the scanning vehicle 112, that is, a modular scanning device.)

The logs to be photographed are usually placed on a pedestal placed on one side of the ship for hoisting with a crane and loading into the hold. Machine-readable labels indicating the owner, type, size, etc. are attached to the logs at forests and sawmills. Figure 2 shows the framing mark (corner mark)
A viewfinder 200 of a camera having 203 and a log 204 on a mount 201 projected in the viewfinder 200 are shown.
A label 204 is attached to each log. If these logs are aligned in the gantry 201 (the end faces are aligned) by the rectifying machine, the scanning vehicle 112 shown in FIG.
Is driven to a scanning position facing the cut end of the log and includes at least one end face of the log including a label 205 for identifying the gantry.
Take one picture, preferably three overlapping pictures. The three photographs are taken to reduce the risk of damage due to shadows and protrusions. In general, a given gantry is placed at one working position on the wharf. The three photographs can be taken by moving a camera mounted on the scanning vehicle 112 to three defined positions along the guide rail 106. This operation of the camera is preferably automated.

Control box 1 mounted on automobile 112
A signal processing device and an automatic operation control device are housed in 14. The luminaire 109 can be used to enhance the quality of the image. Although it is preferable to use the distance measuring device (range finder) 111 as the first indicator indicating the distance of the target object, the framing mark 203 of the viewfinder 200 may be used. Since this camera is not installed near the driver of the car, a video or CRT screen or the like (eg, LCD display) to show the driver what the camera is photographing and using for analysis to the driver
It is preferable to install 101 in the driver's seat.

In the primary application of the invention given by way of example, both ends of the cradle can be used to define the boundaries of the image. For this purpose, the gantry preferably has a constant or standardized size. Adjust the focus of the camera lens to a predetermined position and fix it. For example, a black rectangle, at least two vertical lines separated by a predetermined distance, or a mark such as a corner mark 203 is drawn on a graticule (lattice line), or a finder (optical system finder 40 described later) is used.
3, CRT display or LCD screen 101)
Pile in by suitable means. The operator cannot refocus the lens, but simply moves the car 112 back and forth facing the cradle at right angles until the cradle fits snugly between the marks. With the cradle just snug between the marks, the sized cradle is substantially perfectly aligned with the light sensitive (image sensing) area of the CCD and the image is in best focus.

Next, the log 2 placed on the frame 205
If the labeled end surface of some of the logs of 02 is not visible from one side of the gantry, the automobile 112 is moved and the labeled end surface of the log 202 located on the opposite side of the gantry 205 is similarly photographed. To do. Thus, when the labeled end faces of all the logs 202 on the pedestal 205 have been photographed, those logs are bundled with ropes and loaded on the ship, during which image data is reduced and processed. It is possible to use a plurality of vehicles of the type shown in FIG. 1C side by side on a wharf, and each vehicle can perform a scanning process of logs on a plurality of pedestals according to the timing of work.

The preferred machine-readable identification label for use in the modular scanning device of the present invention generally has a well-defined label-positioning mark to enable the label to be identified against an image background of realistic complexity. Is an encoded or text character label with. The computer first searches for a unique position-indicating mark in the captured image (or a derivative thereof, i.e., obtained by processing the image), and then for additional position-indicating marks in its vicinity. , Thereby confirming the size and compression scale of the relevant panel for that data. This has proven to be an efficient method (by current standards) for extracting information from a huge image file. One advantage of performing image analysis in a camera or on a car is that the occurrence of unreadable captured images can be immediately known. However, it is also possible for the base station or the base computer equipment to carry out the analysis after the information has been transmitted, for example, wirelessly within a short time after the photographing.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the camera 300 of the present invention. Lens 301 (preferably 35 mm format,
A lens with a focal length of 20 mm) focuses the image of the object to be imaged onto the preferred image recognition means of the present invention comprising a solid state charge coupled device (CCD) 302.
It is preferable to have a configuration capable of automatically controlling the orientation of the camera, the focus, the light level, and the observation quality of the image projected on the camera. Filters and high speed shutters can be provided to condition the incident light. Observation mirror 309 (beam splitter in the illustrated example) and eyepiece lens 310
Configures a reflective system so that the user of the camera can see the image to be recorded as shown in FIG.

The control box 303 includes a CCD array (also called "CCD chip" or simply "CCD") 3
A CCD control and readout sequence setting circuit for applying an appropriate potential to the vertical and horizontal rows and wells of 02 is housed. Reference numeral 304 is an analog / digital converter having an appropriate processing speed, and 305 is a JPEG conversion circuit board. Commercially available JPEG conversion circuit boards usually have multiple inputs for simultaneous conversion of three color channels, so that all inputs (represented by two arrows in the figure) are parallel to the CCD chip. It is preferable to receive the digital output of. Large CCD chips are usually supplied with multiple output signals.

In the preferred embodiment, CCD array 30
The parallel stream of analog information emanating from 2 is first “divided” to extract the video information from the DC branches and pulses, and then digitally as a parallel stream by the converters posted to operate sequentially. The digitized pixel values are sent to the individual input terminals of the JPEG conversion circuit board, where each pixel value is separately processed by arithmetic processing including the DCT algorithm, and their outputs are quantized. It is Hoffman compressed and merged into one stream at the output of the preferred JPEG (compression) hardware. This preferred JPEG hardware originally has several inputs for use as color inputs (RGB or CMYK), but it is advantageous to use all the camera outputs, each digitized separately. Is. This is because compressing multiple streams of information from a CCD chip in parallel saves a great deal of time. This JPEG (compression) hardware, when used in combination with a 4096 × 4096 pixel array, typically reduces the first 16 Mbytes of data stream to about 600 Kbytes, depending on the image content. Transferring 600 Kbytes of data to a remote location during a typical time interval of about 6 seconds between one shot and the next is relatively straightforward.

The box 306 represents a storage buffer such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. By providing the memory device 306 in this way, one image can be temporarily stored while the previous image is being compressed and transmitted, which allows the camera 300 to store several images. It can be processed rapidly one after another. Memory device 306
Preferably serves as a kind of pre-transmission buffer that can store (store) several compressed images and hold several images. As a memory or a buffer suitable for this purpose, there may be mentioned one constituted by a dynamic RAM (D-RAM) of 1 Mbyte or 4 Mbyte module as used in a personal computer. A 4 Mbyte storage device can store at least 5 or 6 typical compressed images. The use of memory modules has the disadvantages of storing on a magnetic medium, such as physically large size, slow data transfer rate, inherently low reliability, low capacity, power consumption. Avoid disadvantages such as high consumption. A flash memory can be used instead of the D-RAM.

The memory device can also be used at the data communication end of the processing sequence shown in FIG. This is because, in order to use the handshake protocol, it is preferable to temporarily or for some time delay the transmission of data until the conditions at the transmitting means or the receiving station are suitable for transmission. Generally, the combination of an image capturing (imaging) device, a digitizing means, and a storage means is a "frame grabber" (an image processing peripheral device that extracts a camera frame (frame) from the memory of a computer, digitizes it, and stores it). Is called.

Box 307 represents, in one embodiment, a data transmission or communication device connected to antenna 113. For example, this transmission device is a wireless W
It is preferably designed to meet AN or LAN standards. As an alternative data transmission device to replace this,
There are radio equipment (preferably at high frequencies as the wireless link may be required to have a bandwidth of the level of 1 MHz), infrared beam communication equipment, conventional conductive cables, etc. , Is an example of a product designed to transmit digital data over a moderate distance. If a direct connection is used, it should be prevented from interfering with the ground loop (eg from a high speed computer).

The image processor represented by the box 308 is for further reducing the data contained in a huge image file according to the stored program represented by the box 311 and is built in the camera. Alternatively, it may be installed next to the camera. Alternatively, the image processor 308 may be located at the remote end of the wireless link, as in the current embodiment. Means are provided for charging the onboard battery while creating data or for replacing a depleted battery pack with a charged battery pack.

One of the standard procedures so that the data can be compressed and decompressed (the compressed data can also be restored) using off-the-shelf hardware or software.
It is preferable to select one of the compression algorithms. However, if the data is received at an image analysis station associated with the scanning device of the present invention, the compression algorithm is
Whatever decompression algorithm is selected, it should be compatible with the decompression algorithm.
Software that performs image analysis within an array of compressed data offers the advantage that it requires less data processing space.

Several integrated circuits are known as dedicated integrated circuits that perform this type of compression while maintaining an acceptable compression-to-speed balance. For example, the above-mentioned JP
As an alternative to EG, there are algorithms such as the "Wavelets" algorithm, and HDTV for broadcasting.
As a result of growing interest in (high definition television),
Many other algorithms are under development around the world.
Other types of algorithms can also be used, such as fractal-based algorithms,
They have considerable data compression, but are currently slow.

The label identification art uses image analysis software developed to retrieve and decode all labels displayed within an image. A preferred CCD for use in the present invention is 4096 × 409
CCD array with 6 pixels, but lower or higher resolution, 2048 × 2048
A CCD array (camera) of pixels is actually used. We also tested a CCD with pixels in a scanning linear array (eg, 3048 x 1), but again XY
Arrays (e.g., 4096 x 4096 or larger) are preferred, and recently the use of 6144 x 6144 pixel CCD arrays has been reported.

However, a drawback of such a large CCD array is the huge amount of digital data it creates. The present invention provides a means of handling this data by significantly reducing the number of bytes required to fully represent an image. The compression by the camera of the present invention can be about 0.3 to 0.02 times the initial capacity. The "sufficient" number of bytes required to represent an image depends on the application. If the edge recognition software subsequently determines the content of the label (as in label identification), a "sufficient" image will be generated in JPEG as described below.
Using the method, compression ratios of 20: 1, 30: 1 to even 40: 1 can be obtained. In contrast, human face images are significantly degraded with compression ratios above approximately 4: 1. The compression ratio can be preset to a desired value. For example, for a 6144 x 6144 pixel CCD array that is digitized to 8 bits per pixel and then compressed at a 40: 1 ratio, a 37 MB storage device is required when first extracting data from the CCD array. On the other hand, after compression, a storage device of only 1 Mbyte or less may be used, and in the case of an image captured by an array of 2048 × 2048 pixels, the original 4 Mbyte to 100 Kbytes may be used.
Can be compressed into bytes. (These compression sizes are approximate values, and may be slightly different depending on the content of the image and the control information stored together with the image so that it can be used when decompressed. )

FIG. 4 shows a compact camera including various electronic modules as described with reference to FIG. The entire assembly is preferably housed in an environmentally resistant housing or case that protects against environmental hazards to provide a hermetically sealed camera module, which is also preferably compact. This hermetically sealed camera module is intended to be opened for use only in a controlled laboratory environment. Dangers of the surrounding environment to be endured include physical damage due to collision or abrasion, thermal damage due to sunlight or floodlight (floodlight), electrical damage due to accidental contact or electromagnetic radiation. It is also preferable to provide additional protective means to shield the sensor itself from excess light.

In the sectional view of FIG. 4, reference numeral 400 is the entire camera assembly, and 401 is the camera lens. Not shown in this figure is a block showing optional filters or fast shutters (eg, liquid crystal shutters) that are adapted to open only at substantially peak flash lamp illumination. 403 is an image plane defined by the objective lens at a predetermined distance, and
Reference numeral 04 is an environment resistant case, and 407 is a CCD array.
Reference numeral 408 is a circuit board carrying a sample and hold chip. This circuit board 408 connects the CCD array 407 with spring loaded screws (spring loaded springs) 41.
Four CCs pressed against the film plane of the camera by 1
It also functions as a substrate for the D array support member 409. 405 attaches the camera to an external line (eg, adjustment,
C used for control and testing purposes including calibration
AN bus) and a series of connectors for coupling to power supply connections and a fiber optic connector for high speed transmission of compressed image data from this camera assembly.
One.

In general, high-speed electronic circuits emit much larger electromagnetic interference waves than low-speed electronic circuits, and the input amplifier of a CCD chip operating at the millivolt level and with a wide bandwidth essentially emits these interference waves. Easy to capture. 406
Is a light and electrical shield barrier that isolates each circuit board 410 (as well as a circuit board such as a video compression circuit board) from electromagnetic sensitive areas around the CCD chip. These circuit boards preferably allow remote adjustment of all parameters such as CCD voltage levels,
It preferably includes 32K bytes of RAM. One application for such RAM is to accept various JPEG tables from the host computer at startup and then respond to a single command to those tables (via the terminal's microcontroller) to the JPEG circuit board. Is to send.

One of the major advantages of incorporating a JPEG circuit board or the like into the same module as the camera body is that the camera is designed to eliminate local ground loops or similar sources of interference from the module. Being able to be separated from the device. Thus, this assembly is a device close to a "black box" unit, whose input is the optical image and whose output is
A compressed digitized video signal that can be conveniently transmitted to an analysis computer as an optically coupled signal.

In one embodiment, the preferred optical portion of the camera assembly is the body of a photographic camera, ie, a large format (57.15 mm square) single lens reflex camera with automatic exposure means for driving the lens aperture. A lens was used. In this example, the film back (back wall of the hold down) was replaced by a spring loaded assembly projecting from the rear surface of the camera body that held the photosensitive (light sensitive) area of the CCD chip in the focal plane of the lens. Alternatively, the back (back wall of the hold down) of a 35 mm "Nikon" camera may be similarly modified to accommodate the corresponding range of lenses.

This camera can be provided with a special high speed shutter. High speed shutters can be used to protect the CCD array from inadvertently intense light (eg, sunlight), or also to define the actual exposure, for the latter purpose CCD The actual sensitivity can also be electrically determined by applying a bias voltage to the chip.

The camera may also be equipped with a suitable communication adapter capable of two-way communication over a particular selected communication medium. The optical fiber cable is one of the preferable communication media in terms of high speed (that is, wide bandwidth) and excellent electric insulation. In fact, one of the usage modes proposed by the applicant
In one, a portable (backpack) camera with storage memory for about six captured and compressed images was used, the stored images being laid over the entire length of the pier or dock. It can be tapped into a built-in optical fiber "bus".

In use, the speed of the process of transmitting an initial image of 16 million pixels from the CCD chip in the camera as an image of about 600 Kbyte level to the internal storage means (memory) through the JPEG type compression device is as follows. , Currently about 6
Seconds, if the circuit is further improved, this time will be greatly shortened. The JPEG processor operates in real time. That is, the time delay imposed on the transfer of information from the CCD chip to memory as a result of compression is almost zero.

This relatively simple type of camera compresses image data but does not interpret it. Interpretation of the images is performed at the remote facility and the results are obtained a few minutes after the delivery of the set of images. The camera is equipped with a PCMCIA (with internal buffering) to send the digital data virtually immediately after it is collected, but in the case of embodiments with hard disk storage approximately 60-70. Uncompressed images can be stored.

The design of the camera of the present invention can be varied depending on the requirements of a particular application. Some filters, such as filters that transmit near infrared light,
Blocks all light except visible light or at least dark dark red light. A viewfinder is useless unless a filter is installed after the 45 ° mirror that samples the light for that viewfinder. In some cases it may be sufficient to use a wireframe distance finder. One option for the modification is to send a trial snapshot taken from the CCD to the video screen for a configuration similar to a still image video camera. Enough frame buffer 10 for normal video applications
5 samples the stream of data from the high resolution CCD (samples occasional or averaged bytes) and sends it to a small monitor 101 (eg LCD).
Small CR as used in monitors or video cameras
T-display) and display repeatedly at the normal video scanning speed.

Other types of cameras can also be used. For example, if you use a double lens reflex camera,
It is not necessary to filter the light for the viewfinder, and the image light can be filtered as much as necessary. It is sufficient to use a viewfinder with a simple distance measuring device.

With a properly integrated machine, the display can be used to display any information to the operator, and when a problem occurs, identify the problem and its recommended solution. It is an interface that can be sent to the operator. Advances in semiconductor design enable the integration of various functions. For example, the captured image exists as a two-dimensional array on a photosensitive CCD chip for a short time, and at least some data reduction or even data analysis can be done in-situ (on the CCD chip). Is also possible. Some CCD chips are of the "frame transfer" type, which moves the image-representing analog signal laterally, preferably to a light-insensitive area for data reduction. Digitization of the analog signal can be simulated in some way, for example by iteratively analyzing a one level image with variable thresholds.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the structures and shapes of the embodiments illustrated herein, and deviates from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should be understood that various embodiments are possible and that various changes and modifications can be made.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a person carrying a camera of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a camera of the present invention installed on a tower or mast.

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing a camera of the present invention mounted on an automobile.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a finder showing a log stack placed in place for recording (imaging) a coded identification label affixed to the end face of each log.

3 is a block diagram showing the flow of data and signals between the main parts of the camera of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a camera of the present invention with a spring loaded CCD mounting support and a reflex finder.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101: viewer 102: log 105: camera device 112: scanning vehicle 113: antenna 114: backpack 200: viewfinder 201: frame 202: log 203: frame determination mark 204: label 300: camera 302: CCD array 305: JPEG Conversion circuit board 307: Transmission device 308: Image processor 400: Camera assembly 407: CCD array

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical indication location H04N 7/18 H04N 7/13 Z (71) Applicant 596057376 547 TE ATATU ROAD, TE ATA NUTH PENINS ULA AUCKLAND 8, NEW ZEALAND (72) Inventor Kevin George Slade New Zealand Oakland 8, Theatate North Peninsula, Theatre Road 547 (72) Inventor Alan Tathy Spender New Zealand Oakland Mauntroskill, Mount Albert Road 440

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A camera for recording a plurality of articles, each labeled with a machine-readable label, in a grouped form to form a large field of view, the image capture means and a CCD array. The image focusing means comprises an optical system including an image focusing means capable of focusing, an aperture control means, and a shutter means, wherein the image of the group of labeled articles is in the photosensitive area of the CCD array. Align the group of labeled articles to the camera and position them away from the camera such that the stored image of each machine-readable label is nearly standard and of approximately standardized size. A camera, characterized in that it comprises a finder means having an internal visible mark. 2. The capacity of the image data is 0.3 of the initial capacity.
The camera according to claim 1, further comprising an image compressing unit capable of compressing by 0.02 times. 3. The image capture means comprises a frame grabber capable of receiving a first digital signal representing an image, the image compression means being reduced relative to the total number of bytes of the first digital signal. The first digital signal is approximately 2 to create a compressed digital image with a few bytes.
A digital signal compression means for compression in the range of 0: 1 to about 40: 1 and a buffer means for storing one or more compressed digital images. The listed camera. 4. The camera of claim 3, including means for transmitting said one or more compressed digital images to an external image processing unit or other image data receiver. . 5. The digital signal compression means is JPEG
The camera of claim 4, comprising a processor. 6. The buffer means is capable of storing at least two rule images.
The camera according to. 7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein the digital signal compression means has at least two input channels capable of processing upper parts in parallel. 8. The camera of claim 7, wherein the CCD photosensitive array is an XY array having at least 2048 pixels along each side thereof. 9. The camera of claim 7, wherein the solid state CCD photosensitive array is an XY array having at least 4096 pixels along each side thereof.